Monthly Archives : May 8, 2009

Mardi Gras refers to the whole Carnival season. With roots in the Catholic tradition, it is celebrated during Lent, from Twelfth Night through the day before Ash Wednesday. It is a series of parades, parties, and balls, but is most famous for the events taking place on its last day, Fat Tuesday. It is a celebration, according to New Orleanians, of power, faith, and justice. Fat Tuesday is a day of excess, when the city of New Orleans doubles in population and most of its occupants revel in the party atmosphere. At exactly midnight, Lent begins, and many New Orleanians give up the vices that they have clung to over the Mardi Gras season. Around the world, the day is about various cultures coming together to celebrate the things that make them unique, and these differences unite under the common theme of a people who like to have fun, enjoy each other, and celebrate. Costumes, masks, and beads are common place, as well as the Mardi Gras favorite, the king cake. Mardi Gras parties are a great time to indulge in Cajun cuisine, take in the jazz band sounds, New Orleans flair and beautiful bright purple, green, and gold colors...Read More

Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of the Mexican army’s defeat of French forces in the state of Puebla in 1862. Napoleon had ambitions of invading Mexico City, since the US was in the midst of our Civil War. The Mexicans were outmatched two to one and had weapons that were far inferior to the French state of the art weaponry. The French were defeated by the Mexican cavalry and it prevented Napoleon from supplying the Confederate Army for over a year. It can be argued that this allowed for the North to gain advantage and win the Civil War. Though it is commonly mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, it is still significant and recognized around the world as a day to honor Mexican heritage and pride. It is more widely celebrated in the United States than in Mexico, with most paying tribute to Mexican-American ancestry and culture. Regardless of your background or ethnicity, anyone can have a party on May 5th! For most, Cinco de Mayo is the perfect opportunity to gather together with friends and have a fiesta. Margarita parties as well as Mexican dinner parties are probably the most common type of celebrations. Spice your party up...Read More